National data provides late snapshot of school reopening status

Data released March 24 by the U.S. Department of Education shows the majority of children nationwide were receiving some level of in-person instruction at the beginning of 2021, though a substantial number, predominantly youth of color, remained entirely in virtual learning. The survey — which […]

New brief spotlights funding sources to boost student mental health services

Student mental health challenges have been deeply exacerbated by the pandemic, and many state and local policymakers have acknowledged a need to implement strong mental health services to better support children. To aid in this effort, Education Commission of The States released a policy brief […]

CDC and CDPH updates physical distancing guidelines for students, youth sports rules revised

As has become the norm, this week brought more changes to the procedures educators and students are being asked to follow. The California Department of Public Health on March 20 updated its operational guidance for K-12 schools. The update recommends a new spacing standard for […]

School boards in action: 5 questions with Raymond Cheung, Arcadia USD

In the midst of a global pandemic, local educational agency boards have continued working to support programs and initiatives that offer students the academic and social-emotional opportunities they need — no matter which mode of instruction they are in. CSBA’s 5 questions series gives board […]

Arts Education Month gives LEAs chance to reflect on how they use art to strengthen student connections

Scroll through El Monte City School District’s Facebook page and you’ll find students have recently visited the Getty Museum, put on choir performances, danced together and even learned how to pluck an entire song on the violin in complete unison.   March is Arts Education Month and while […]

San Diego court decision granting temporary reprieve from CDPH framework has statewide implications

On March 15, 2021, Superior Court Judge Cynthia A. Freeland issued a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) in A.A. v. Newsom, et al, a lawsuit brought by several students against six school districts in San Diego County, Gov. Gavin Newsom and key members of his COVID-19 […]

Updated national student survey shows improvements compared to spring 2020

In July 2020, YouthTruth released a national report that surveyed more than 20,000 students about their learning and well-being during that first wave of school closures, Students Weigh In: Learning & Well-Being During COVID-19. Although intended to be a standalone report, the organization has now […]

School boards in action: 5 questions with Lamiya Hoque, Centralia Elementary SD in Anaheim

In the midst of a global pandemic, local educational agency boards have continued working to support programs and initiatives that offer students the academic and social-emotional opportunities they need — no matter which mode of instruction they are in. CSBA’s 5 questions series gives board […]